‘We think of him every day’

Thuy and Jamey Husmann stood before a gathering of family, friends, and community members on Sunday afternoon outside St. Andrew Lutheran Church, marking a poignant anniversary with a heartfelt tribute.

The second annual ribbon ceremony honored Aaron Husmann, who died by suicide on April 10, 2023, during his junior year at Eden Prairie High School. Organized by his family and a local moms’ group, the event aimed to raise mental health awareness among students. The first ceremony took place shortly after his passing.

“It’s a way to connect again and keep Aaron in everyone’s thoughts,” Jamey said. “He’s always in our thoughts.”

Participants, including many of Aaron’s soon-to-graduate EPHS classmates, received green ribbons to raise awareness of teen mental health challenges by displaying them in their neighborhoods. They also had the opportunity to write down memories of Aaron.

Green ribbons, the international symbol of mental health awareness and a nod to Aaron’s favorite color, were distributed on Sunday along with silicone wristbands. These wristbands are inscribed with “call or text 988,” the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and 4Aaron.com, a website Thuy created to honor her son.

Those present on Sunday were encouraged to share photos of their ribbons and wristbands on social media using the hashtag #Ribbons4Aaron to help organizers track the campaign’s impact.

“Take as many ribbons as you need,” Jamey told those assembled in the church’s parking lot. “Grab a bracelet to serve as a reminder that Aaron is still with us. We think of him every day. We miss him every day.”

Thuy urged Aaron’s classmates to be mindful of their mental health as they finish high school and prepare for the future, a period known for its heightened stress levels.

“As you guys wind down the school year and things get hectic, don’t sweat it,” Thuy said. “Just talk to your friends. Talk to your parents, and chat or text 988. Or go to your counselor. Go to your friend’s parents if it’s hard to talk to your parents.”

She assured them that those people were willing to do anything to help. “So just believe in that,” she said. “Don’t forget that.”

Jamey said they struggle to understand how Aaron could not see the positive difference he made in the world.

“If he saw all the people that are here to honor him, I think he would be amazed,” Jamey said. “And I know I believe that he does see us. Every person matters, every life matters.”

Several EPHS seniors who knew Aaron attended Sunday’s ceremony. Among them was Pranav Narayanan, a DECA member who played a pivotal role in organizing last fall’s annual Powderpuff games, which raised funds for mental health in Aaron’s memory. Narayanan returned to this year’s ceremony, as he did the previous year, to honor Aaron and support his family. Senior Thomas Palmer, attending with his brother William, a sophomore, said he attended to “keep Aaron’s legacy going.”

Community rallies for mental health

Since last fall, Aaron’s family and the local moms’ group have worked to raise awareness and financial support for organizations focused on mental health.

Their efforts included a holiday and home decor sample sale at Eden Prairie Center last November. The majority of the $25,000 raised from the sale was donated to The Grief Club of Minnesota in Chanhassen, with $2,500 given to the MN Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Additionally, Scheels recently donated $10,000 to the Aaron Husmann Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Foundation For Eden Prairie Schools.

This scholarship aims to support one or two senior students annually who have been impacted by mental health issues, either personally or through their families. The first two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in May at a ceremony at the high school.

Sunday’s ceremony was emotional for Thuy. Speaking softly, she reflected, “I can’t believe it’s been a year, but I keep doing stuff to save something.”

Besides maintaining the 4aaron.com website, Thuy plans to help incoming freshmen adjust to high school next fall, acknowledging the tough transition from middle school.

“I’ll figure out something for them,” she said.

Donations can be made on the website to the Aaron Husmann Memorial Scholarship Fund or to “increase mental health awareness, programs and resources for those impacted.”

Continuing the conversation: The EPHS Parent-Teacher Organization will host a workshop called “Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Youth” on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Central Middle School Performing Arts Center, 8025 School Road.

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For anyone experiencing a crisis, please call or text 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text MN to 741741 to access trained counselors available 24/7/365. If you or a loved one is at imminent risk, contact 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer.